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Lesser Ring  by Larner 7 Review(s)
KittyReviewed Chapter: 46 on 9/28/2005
So that was the minstrel Aragorn mentioned? Now I begin to understand why he never became close to the King!
He cares little enough for the rights of his office, focusing instead on its responsibilities. Well, I suppose that is quite the opposite of Denethor, particularly as far as the rights are concerned!

The end with Ma’osiri’s Star of the Dúnedain and the Northern Rangers was so nice!

Author Reply: Yes, I suspect Master Farolion has a great deal to work through fitting Aragorn into his expectations. Aragorn is quite different from Denethor, and probably Farolion has no real memory of the rule of Ecthelion to compare to.

And am so glad that you like the reaction to the Star now residing with Ma'osiri. I like to think that the Dunedain of Arnor now see Ma'osiri as one of their own.

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 46 on 9/27/2005
I'm glad to see Aragorn comforting Sa’Harpelamun and reassuring him that his brother sought the light in the end.

Interesting to meet the bard and get his response to the changes in leadership - which are considerably more complex than just ending the old war. Aragorn must be rather a shock to the old guard.

The response to seeing Ma’osiri with the Star or Arnor is interesting. Not altogether approved of, I felt, at first - although Gilfileg seemed to come round quite quickly. And it does bind the future Farozi to the realms of the North (and, I suppose now, the far South), which can only be a good thing.

Author Reply: I do believe Aragorn would indeed seek to reassure Sa'Harpelamun regarding his brother's spiritual fate, which would be a comfort to him, I think. To know one, and particularly a twin brother, who has been so lost would be horrible in the extreme, and the surviving brother would need the reassurance.

Even ten years after the War of the Rings, Aragorn is still the new kid on the block. I know that the entire eighteen years we lived in one small town we were looked down on by certain neighbors because we hadn't lived there all our lives as had they, and they were unhappy when we objected to changes in the town's legal structure that would have not only inconvenienced us mightily, but would have been impossible to properly implement--high-sounding principles with no logical or physical base of carrying them out. Aragorn might be the King returned, but not everyone realizes he was Thorongil even now; and probably some who've heard the tale question it, not wanting to believe there is any so pure in Numenorean blood to have lived so long still looking so young.

Trying to fit someone like Aragorn/Strider/Elessar into ones expectations is not always going to be easy.

And, yes, the Northern Dunedain are going to first question how this Haradri boy is wearing a Ranger's star; and then will probably accept him as an adoptee into the people. And it will offer more stability to the relationships between the lands down the road.

Thanks so much for the thought-provoking comments.

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 46 on 9/27/2005
Another wonderful chapter Larner. As usual too many bits to compliment them all - Pippin's sensitivity - Aragorn's care for the twins - the feast and above all the minstrel's description of the King. Now are we going to see Arwen and Aragorn accepted into the guild of bards?

Author Reply: I dunno if we'll see them accepted into the Guild; Ruvemir had to find a way to allow Miriel to trick Arwen into the Guild of Seamstresses and Tailors, after all; and as he wasn't sitting nearby he might not be aware of how they might be made members of the Guild of Bards and Minstrels; whether Farolion would consider such means as finding an original poem or song and using that to get the King admitted I'm not certain. He's not the same sort of personality as Ruvemir.

And am glad you appreciate the small details. Am very honored by the appreciation all have given this.

RadbooksReviewed Chapter: 46 on 9/27/2005
Very interesting feast and discussions and things going on in this chapter. I enjoyed the minstrel part very much and remember Aragorn's comment that he had thought that they might become close. You could see that the minstrel wants that closeness too, but he just can't figure Aragorn out. Not that you always need to figure people out before you befriend them - you start learning about them over time and as you get to know them. And I doubt the minstrel will ever truly be able to totally understand Aragorn anyway, there is too much in his background that the minstrel has no frame of reference for, but that doesn't mean that they can't be good friends based on their shared love of music.

I also enjoyed the part when Gilfileg and the other lords of Arnor discovered that the twin was wearing Aragorn's star - that was touching. Especially Gilfileg's comments about who he has a responsibility not to bring dishonor to it. Nicely done chapter as usual!

By the way, my new chapter has been posted.

Author Reply: Yes, there is still much for the minstrel to work through if he will become very close to the King, I suspect. But you are right--you don't need to know all to begin a friendship. It's working Aragorn's personality into his expectations for rule that I suspect is the holdup here.

And am glad you appreciated Gilfileg's admonition to Ma'osiri to be the type of person who will bring no dishonor upon the Ranger's Star.

And will have to check out the chapter as soon as I am able.

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 46 on 9/26/2005
What a wonderful chapter! I've been figuratively chewing my nails for a few days waiting on a update, and am not disappointed.

Of course it goes without saying that I love all the little details you give. And Farolian is the minstrel Elessar mentioned, that he had hoped to befriend. He's very interesting, and I hope to see a good deal more of him.

I liked Aragorn's comment that it would be easier for each group to forgive the *other* ones enemies. Those enmities that are bred in the bone generation after generation are so hard to overcome.

Such an auspicious visit! I hope to see more!

Author Reply: Sorry about the wait--have been fighting some serious problems here, and have need to see them settled quickly--and then the Fair is on, you know. I live for the Fair it sometimes seems.

It's always easier to forgive those who have had less impact on ones history than the ones one fights day by day. And Farolian is one who ought to be a part of the court, and yet has held himself somewhat apart. That he wrote the Lay of Frodo of the Nine Fingers would have meant a good deal to Aragorn, I suspect; if he isn't quite a friend of Aragorn's, then why would that be? So decided to look at what the minstrel would have expected in the King returned but didn't find, and why he has held back from open friendship.

We all need a variety of friends.

lindahoylandReviewed Chapter: 46 on 9/26/2005
I just loved the way that Aragorn comforts the young priest and also the list of all the things he does. Your Aragorn is one of my favourites in fanfiction.

Author Reply: Am so glad you like the way I depict Aragorn, Linda. Have been fighting real life for the last few days, which delayed the posting of this chapter while I've tried to see to what needs doing and all.

Yes, Aragorn would want to comfort Sa'Harpelamun, I think, and would wish him to appreciate that it appears that at the last Setra'amun found his way. That would be as heartening to himself as it is to others, I think.

And Aragorn would not be content to sit idle while others labor around him, I think, and after almost a half-century doing for himself and others would wish to continue to do so.

Now I can see Ruvemir, if he becomes aware of what Farolian said about what would be needed to have King and Queen admitted to the Guild of Bards and Minstrels, lying in wait for a poem or tale to sneak off for consideration for the Guild. Let all see that King and Queen are NOT just rulers, but people with their own skills and gifts that they finally have the leisure to enjoy and develop, and that are worthy of honor.

TiggerReviewed Chapter: 46 on 9/26/2005
I'm back from my trip. Not entirely rested (don't ask), but got to see Viggo's new movie, so it all evens out. :o) Anyway...Wow!! What a great chapter this was. To see the nobles of Harad honoured so by the nobles of The Reunited Kingdom would have done much to cement the relations between the two kingdoms.

The thoughts of the minstrel was interesting to read. The people of Gondor would have a hard time adjusting to Aragorn's style of ruling after Denethor's heavy handedness. Loved how Legolas used his own questions to the minstrel to have him see that they wouldn't want Aragorn acting like Denethor had. There are different ways to rule and guide a kingdom and usually kindness will provide more loyalty than tyranny does.

I also loved Gilfeg seeing Aragorn's Star on Maorsi's sash, then the rest of the Northern Dunedain seeing it and that whooosh of a hush decending on the Feast Hall. That would have quite the shocking effect on Aragorn's kinsmen. Also loved the honour they then paid to the little Haradi Prince. That was a lovely part of this chapter.

As always, looking forward to the next chapter. :o)

Author Reply: I can't afford to see the film yet, and hope to do better in the coming month and perhaps see it.

In the previous chapter Ankhrabi sees the rulers of the kingdoms; now he is seeing more of the movers and shakers, is getting a feel for how the upper crust of society see their King, who even after ten years is still seen as a bit of an oddity, who rides and patrols with his troops on horseback or on foot, who is able to communicate with those who need comforting and strengthening as they enter into duty for the realm, who weeds his garden and serves the people practically as well as in the role of King, whose skills are many sided.

And that Ma'osiri now wears the Star of a Ranger of Arnor would be important, and in so bestowing it, Aragorn is in ways adopting the boy into the family. The folk of Arnor particularly will do their best to see that when he comes to the throne of Harad all goes well with him, and that he is protected properly.

Thanks for the feedback!

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